Broadcast Systems Technology

Program Highlights

Prepare for a career installing, maintaining and repairing electronic and computer equipment for television and radio stations, post-production facilities or equipment manufacturers with courses covering hardware, operating systems and troubleshooting.

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The Broadcast Systems Technology (BXST) program is a two-year diploma preparing you for employment installing and maintaining electronic and computer based equipment for the broadcast industry.

Program Details

Program description

The Broadcast Systems Technology (BXST) program is a unique program preparing you for employment installing and maintaining electronic and computer-based equipment for the broadcast industry. You will discover how to maintain and repair broadcast equipment as the electrical signal flows from the source through the audio and video mixing consoles to the station's link to the transmitter and then your home. You may also be involved in the design of facilities. You will acquire professional and business skills and learn comprehensive technical applications to help you achieve a great career in the broadcast industry.

Your career

Opportunities exist in many areas, including television and radio broadcast stations, systems and networks, post-production facilities, educational television and audiovisual systems, equipment manufacturers (technical field support) equipment sales and communications providers. Your career may lead to employment as an assistant chief and chief station engineer.

There is a major migration from analog systems to digital audio and video systems with the most prominent being High Definition Television (HDTV). It is common to have facilities that employ both analog and digital systems or just one or the other. The broadcast industry is now enhancing the delivery of content through streaming audio and video over the Internet.

Graduates of the Broadcast Systems Technology program have an 88% employment rate.

Student success

Characteristics of a successful student in this program include:

Enjoy keeping up-to-date on new technological developments, continue to take training and enjoy learning new skills.

Are able to manage their time and work effectively while facing deadlines.

Able to work independently with little supervision but can also perform as a vital member of a team of professionals.

Pay attention to detail and take personal pride in their technical problem-solving skills.

Working knowledge of the MS Office Suite would be an asset.

Credentials and accreditation

After successfully completing this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT diploma in Broadcast Systems Technology.

This program is accredited by the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE).

Transfer options

The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.